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Digital librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between digital librarians and public services librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a digital librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, a digital librarian has an average salary of $57,957, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for a digital librarian include metadata, digital collections and digital assets. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Digital librarian vs public services librarian overview

Digital LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$57,957$49,867
Hourly rate$27.86$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs17,01662,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Digital librarian vs public services librarian salary

Digital librarians and public services librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Digital LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$57,957$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $82,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityYale University
Best paying industryMediaEducation

Differences between digital librarian and public services librarian education

There are a few differences between a digital librarian and a public services librarian in terms of educational background:

Digital LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary Science And AdministrationLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Digital librarian vs public services librarian demographics

Here are the differences between digital librarians' and public services librarians' demographics:

Digital LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between digital librarian and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Digital librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage and customize Sharepoint sites, design Sharepoint forms and workflows.
  • Manage document delivery via Docline and consortia memberships.
  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Edit various XML and MARC metadata standards.
  • Customize various web design templates using HTML, CSS, Javascript, and XSLT.
  • Load PDF and XML files.
  • Show more

Public services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Perform original and copy cataloging of new acquisitions.
  • Perform various technical services including cataloging, weeding, and authority control.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Digital librarian vs public services librarian skills

Common digital librarian skills
  • Metadata, 17%
  • Digital Collections, 11%
  • Digital Assets, 10%
  • Digital Content, 10%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • SharePoint, 4%
Common public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%

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